Winter, 2019-20

Observations of Major Winter Storms and Interesting Weather Phenomena


New One-Hour Video Program: 2019-20 Season of Thundersnow - This one hour program features footage from the five thunudersnow storms I witnessed during the 2019-20 winter season, with on-camera discussion by me of each events and of the phenomenon of thundersnow, particularly as it occurrs in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado.

April 21, 2020 - The Life Cycle of a Colorado Thundersnow Storm - I document nearly the entire life cycle of a winter thunderstorm in Colorado, from a billowing cumulus cloud south of Pagosa Springs to a large complex of showers and thunderstorms producing snow, graupel/snow pellets, and low-elevation rain from east of Wolf Creek Pass southwestward through the Chromo, CO area into NM. Pictures of the storm at each stage, and video as it moves over producing a burst of graupel and a rumble of thunder.

March 21, 2020 Spectacular Thundersnow Storm in Colorado - After a cluster of strong thunderstorms develops in far NW NM and moves into CO, I track the storm as it produced snow and frequent lightning from Chimney Rock National Monument northeastward into Pagosa Springs, CO. This was one of the most electrified snowstorms I have ever seen. This detailed account includes photos and video of the storm along with radar and lightning-tracker images.

March 13, 2020 Thundersnow at Pajarito Ski Area, NM - Thundersnow breaks out at Pajarito Ski Area as I am wrapping up my ski day. I am skiing down on my last run when the first lightning and thunder happen, but after getting to a place of relative safety at the base, I get out my phone and catch the next, closer, one on video. Includes video and a photo during an earlier brief break in the day's stormy and unsettled weather.

December 27, 2019 Winter Thunderstorms, Santa Fe, NM Area - Thunderstorms produce graupel (snow pellets) and snow in the Santa Fe area. I get video that includes rare captures of lightning bolts with winter precipitation. Includes video, photos, radar images and a radar loop, and discussion of the weather setup, along with discussion of how thundersnow events in mountainous regions like New Mexico and Colorado often differ from thundersnow events in other parts of the country.

November 29, 2019 Thundersnow near Santa Fe, NM - A short trip up into the lower levels of the mountains above Santa Fe yields an intense thundersnow storm, with even a little hail at the beginning. Includes video of the storm along with a detailed account of my observations.



This page last updated May 10, 2020.

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